President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the participants of the international conference dedicated to the study of the heritage of the Jadids. The text of congratulatory message was published by the presidential press service.

“I congratulate you on the opening of the international forum dedicated to the study of life, social activities, scientific and creative heritage of the Jadids-enlighteners. I express my sincere gratitude to the leaders and representatives of the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, the International Turkic Academy, the International Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, as well as all foreign scientists for their assistance in organizing and holding this conference,” the President said.

The head of state said that the Jadid movement, which originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in a number of eastern and Muslim countries, has deep historical roots in the Turkestan region. He noted that Uzbekistan has become one of the centers of these major socio-political and educational processes.

“The Jadids, being progressive representatives of their time, in extremely difficult conditions came up with the idea of national development through the dissemination of knowledge and enlightenment, fundamental reforms in the field of education. To this end, they set up schools and theaters, publishing houses and libraries, newspapers and magazines at their own expense, and sent gifted youth to study abroad. These initiatives and noble deeds of theirs received a wide response in society and turned into a mighty force. I think that in our region, which became the cradle of two great Renaissances in the history of the East, it is the Jadids who could carry out the third Renaissance,” Mirziyoyev said.

The President stressed that the totalitarian regime did not allow the far-sighted ideas and aspirations of the Jadids to be fully realized.

“Today we are building a free civil society in our country, a democratic state based on the rule of law, and in this we rely on the humanistic principles of our Jadid ancestors, we draw spiritual strength and energy from their heritage.

A lot of work is being done in Uzbekistan to perpetuate the memory of those who were subjected to political repression during the period of the totalitarian system. August 31 is widely celebrated as the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Repression. The Shahidlar Hotirasi (The Memory of Martyrs) memorial complex, the State Museum of Memory of the Victims of Repressions and its territorial branches operate. A lot of scientific research is being carried out, works of art, films about the history of the phenomenon of Jadidism are being created. Memorial complexes, educational institutions are being erected, museums, parks and squares bearing the names of Jadids-enlighteners are being created,” he said.

Mirziyoyev also said that over the past three years, the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan has rehabilitated more than four hundred fellow countrymen who were victims of repression. Most of them are representatives of the Jadid movement.

“We have determined as our strategic task the formation of the foundation of a new Renaissance in the country in order to realize the cherished dream of our great ancestors. To this end, cardinal reforms are being implemented in the fields of science, education, upbringing and culture. Organization of the education system based on modern requirements, increasing the role and status of teachers and mentors in the life of society are of priority importance for us,” the President noted.

“The highest intellect and wisdom, the will and fortitude of our enlightened ancestors will always be a vivid example for us in raising children as harmoniously developed personalities based on national and universal values.

We consider it our key task to continue a deep study of the activities of the Jadids together with international scientific centers and foreign scientists. Thanks to this unique heritage, it is possible to find the right answers to many questions that concern humanity today. The more attention we begin to pay to the study and dissemination of this great spiritual heritage, the deeper people, especially young people, will realize the value of a peaceful and free life,” Mirziyoyev concluded.